Mac Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Are Chromebooks safer than Windows laptops?

Posted on March 13, 2026

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Question from Patsy: My friend just bought a Chromebook after the salesman at the computer store told her they are safer to use than Windows computers.

Among other things, he said it’s impossible for a Chromebook to catch a virus.

I’d just like to know if you agree with him because I’m needing to get a new laptop myself.

So, are Chromebooks really safer than Windows laptops? [Read more…]

How (and when) to boot Windows 10 and Windows 11 into Safe Mode

Posted on February 7, 2026

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If you’ve been a Windows user for any length of time you probably know that there are times when it helps to boot Windows into Safe Mode.

In a nutshell, booting into Safe Mode forces Windows to load just the most basic Windows files and hardware drivers.

This helps a great deal when trying to remove stubborn viruses, track down faulty hardware drivers and resolve a wide range of software issues.

[Read more…]

Q&A: Can I use an old external hard drive with my new MacBook?

Posted on January 24, 2026

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Question from Lawrence: Hi, Rick. I’m hoping you can answer a question for me about hard drives.

I have an older Seagate STHN2000400 2TB external hard drive that I used for several years to store photos and other files from my old MacBook. Well that MacBook finally died and I replaced it with this MacBook Pro.

The problem I’m having is the MacBook Pro won’t work with the Seagate drive because there’s no connector on the laptop that will accept the old-style USB plug on the drive cable.

If at all possible I’d like to keep using this drive with the new MacBook Pro because it contains thousands of photos that don’t exist anywhere else.

Is there any way I can use this drive with the new laptop? Maybe some kind of adapter? [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I find a driver and software for an older printer?

Posted on August 5, 2025

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Question from Alice: The hard drive in my Windows desktop PC stopped working and I had to have it replaced.

When I got the computer back from the shop I realized I needed to install the driver and software for my Brother MFC-J6520DW printer.

The problem is I seem to have lost the disc. I’ve searched my office from top to bottom and I can’t find it anywhere.

Can you help me track down a copy of the software someplace? I’ll gladly buy a disc if I need to.

I love this printer and I really don’t want to replace it unless I absolutely have to. [Read more…]

Q&A: Will a regular 2-button mouse work with a Mac?

Posted on February 1, 2025

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Question from Tammy: I’ve used nothing but Windows laptops all my life but I decided to try a MacBook Air this time around.

I think I’m going to like the laptop ok but I hate the Apple Magic Mouse that I bought to go with it. I just can’t seem to get used to it. I guess I’m weird but it just doesn’t feel right in my hand.

My question is can I use a regular 2-button mouse like the ones you use with a Windows computer with it?

[Read more…]